GeoLayer / Borehole Log Digitiser

Geotechnical Glossary

Plain-English definitions of common terms you will see on borehole logs and across the GeoLayer workflow.

Borehole log: A record of the materials and conditions encountered while drilling a borehole, including depths, strata descriptions and in-situ test results.
Strata: The distinct layers of soil or rock encountered down a borehole, each described by material, consistency and depth interval.
SPT (Standard Penetration Test): An in-situ test giving an N-value — the number of blows needed to drive a sampler a set distance — used as an index of soil density or strength.
RQD (Rock Quality Designation): A percentage measure of rock-mass quality based on the lengths of intact core pieces recovered over a drilling run.
AGS4: The current version of the AGS data-transfer format: a structured standard for exchanging geotechnical and geoenvironmental data.
gINT: Widely used geotechnical software for managing and reporting borehole and lab data; a common destination for digitised log data.
OpenGround: A cloud geotechnical data-management platform; digitised borehole data is often imported into it.
DXF: A CAD interchange format. Exporting borehole and strata data to DXF lets it drop into drawings and sections.
Digitisation: Converting a borehole log (often a scanned or handwritten PDF) into structured, editable, exportable data.

Frequently asked questions

What does SPT mean on a borehole log?

SPT stands for Standard Penetration Test. Its result, the N-value, is the number of blows to drive a sampler a set distance and is used as an index of soil density or strength.

What is RQD?

RQD (Rock Quality Designation) is a percentage measure of rock-mass quality based on the lengths of intact core pieces recovered over a drilling run.

See it on your own logs

Book a demo and we'll run GeoLayer on your borehole logs — scanned, handwritten or digital. Book a demo call.

Privacy · Terms · GeoLayer — borehole log digitisation for geotechnical engineers.